Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey believes that the club should give manager Brendan Rodgers time to turn things around at Anfield.

Rumours have emerged claiming that the Merseyside club's American owners are considering possible candidates to replace the Northern Irishman.

Rodgers was rewarded with a new deal after guiding Liverpool to second in the Premier League last season, but his team have failed to recreate their previous form after spending more than £100m on nine new signings in the summer transfer window.

In a live chat with Goal.com, Heskey said: "I don't think [he should be sacked]. He's been given a long-term plan to move forward.

"Last year was phenomenal jump and everyone's looking at this season being a backwards step, but he still has to get the best out of the new signings and it usually takes about a year for them to get used to the Premier League."

Liverpool are ninth in the league table and their return to the Champions League after a five-year absence ended in the group stage on Tuesday night following a 1-1 draw with Basel.